Senior powerhouse, Christ for Life started the season with 2 losses, one to Western Warriors and the other to BWEL Accolades, with their playoff hopes being damaged from early on in the season.  As a result, the showdown on Saturday against BNE Oilers was a must win for Christ for Life, if they had any hopes of making the playoffs.  At the end of the first quarter, Christ for Life clung to a 1 points lead, 17 – 16, with Mark Gentle scoring 6 of his team’s 17 points, while Jason Daly also sank 6 points in the 1^st quarter for BNE Oilers.  At the half, BNE reclaimed control of the game, taking a 37 – 29 lead, with Dorian “Cheezy” Jones scores 6 points in the quarter, while Christ for Life was struggling offensively. 

The lead was stretched to 13 points at the end of the third quarter, as BNE Oilers was cruising with a 57 – 44 lead.  Mark “Deisel” Wagner was the main man in the third quarter for BNE, as he scored 8 points in the quarter where his team opened up the lead.  At the start of the fourth quarter, BNE Oilers was up by as many as 15 points, before Christ for Life made their final run.  In the fourth quarter, Christ for Life showed a lot of urgency, as they slowly narrowed the lead to 9 points with 5 minutes remaining.  Berry Zelaya had 9 points in the fourth quarter, which included a big 3 point shot, followed up by 2 key free throws and a field goal. Mark Gentle’s shot and foul with 1 minute remaining was able to tie the game for Christ for Life, sending it into over time.

In overtime, Christ for Life showed new life, as BNE Oilers were a bit frustrated that they allowed this game to go to OT.  Jamie Gillett and Korie Williams then dominated the overtime, scoring 5 and 6 points respectively, and 11 of their team’s 13 points, while BNE Oilers was only able to muster up 8 points in OT.  With the win, Christ for Life has been saved, as they now have new life and right back in playoff contention, while BNE Oilers has been handed their second loss in four games, with both teams now tied for the fourth and final playoff spot with 5 points each.

Christ for Life was lead by Korie Williams who sank 23 points and ripped 8 rebounds, while Jamie Gillett chipped in with 16 points, 3 caroms, 5 assists and 2 steals.  Berry Zelaya sank 15 points for Christ for Life, while grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists, while Elsworth Itza scored 9 points.  In a losing effort, Mark Diesel Wagner scored 18 points and dished out 5 assists for BNE Oilers, while Dorian “Cheezy” Jones tallied 16 points and 7 rebounds, and Jason Daly helped out with 14 points and 5 assists.